I thought this book was really cute. It was cute, and also informative at the back of the book. In the back of the book there's a section about the story (telling readers what actually happened and what did not), about the Civil War (putting the important facts so kids can learn about it), and about Abraham Lincoln (his life, death, and children). What I found incredibly interesting is that I had no idea that Abraham Lincoln had any kids, much less four of them. I feel as though my history teachers didn't tell my class that, and while it seems like such a trivial fact I was surprised by it. I really enjoyed this book because it's a cute holiday book, and you can learn new things from it. ( )

Thanksgiving in the White House is a precious story about Tad, Abraham Lincoln's son, and the celebration of the first declared Thanksgiving holiday. Right of the bat, the setting in this story is extremely important to the characters, and the way that the story develops. The setting of the story is not said in words, but can be inferred through different aspects of the story. The illustrations of the clothes that each character is wearing shows the time in which the story takes place. The text and dialogue in the story also provides information that Abraham Lincoln is President, and the reader can infer that the story takes place sometime during the 1860s. With all of this inferred information, it is obvious as to why the setting is very crucial for the development of this story. ( )

This book took place during the Civil War when Lincoln was president and the first Thanksgiving holiday in the White House was taking place. Tad, Lincolns son, wanted to spare his pet turkeys life instead of eating it for the holiday feast. He was also talking to the people in line that were waiting to see the president. He had compassion for those people in line seeking justice for the deaths of their loved ones. ( )

Thanksgiving in the White House was a really cute book. Abraham Lincoln was President of the US at the time and his son, Tad, had befriended Jack the turkey (meant to be Thanksgiving dinner, but Tad did not know that). He overheard the kitchen saying they were going to kill Jack for dinner and Tad was overwhelmed. He asked his dad to pardon Jack, and he did. I thought it was great because I was going to be really disappointed if they killed Jack the turkey after getting us attached as readers! I think the overall theme of this book is to show how great of a President and person Abraham Lincoln was. ( )

In this story, President Lincoln's youngest son, Tad, prevents Jack the turkey from being killed for Thanksgiving dinner. Tad considers Jack his friend and goes to his father to plead for his life. Meanwhile, he encounters a woman who has also come to President Lincoln to plead for a life - her husband was accused of desertion for coming to visit her when she was ill and he's to be shot.

President Lincoln pardons both the turkey and the man and, though the two potential deaths can't really compare, it serves to show the kindness and respect Lincoln has for all life.

The book was a sweet look at history and has nice, folk-artish, flat illustrations. (Though I was disconcerted to see that the human characters have red eyes for some reason.) ( )